Bio

Yoga Instructor | Mindful Movement Specialist | Rehabilitation Science Scholar

Emily Pounds is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) whose 25-year yoga journey began as a teenager living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. What started as a physical practice gradually evolved into a steady source of inner peace, resilience, and strength — particularly through the experience of raising her four children.

Emily’s teaching style blends mindful alignment with body awareness, helping students move with intention and confidence. She is passionate about creating a space where individuals feel empowered to trust their bodies and modify movement in ways that support their unique needs.

In addition to teaching yoga, Emily serves as Assistant Director of the UAB Behavioral & Social Science Collaborative and Program Director II, while completing her PhD in Rehabilitation Science. Though grounded in research and evidence-based practice, she intentionally keeps her classes centered on how movement feels — not just the science behind it.

When she’s not teaching or working, you can find her running, reading, painting, or exploring the outdoors.

Training Philosophy

Emily believes movement should feel accessible, sustainable, and empowering at every stage of life.

Her approach emphasizes:

• Mindful alignment and body awareness

• Breath-centered movement

• Functional mobility and joint health

• Autonomy and confidence in practice

• Lifelong strength and independence

She works with beginners, experienced yogis, and older adults alike, focusing on helping each student maintain mobility, strength, and independence through intentional movement.

Her classes are grounding, encouraging, and designed to cultivate both physical resilience and mental clarity.

“Fundamentals-first coaching for strength, resilience, and sustainable performance.”